Teen beaten and strangled in Wallerfield

The semi-nude body of Gibbs, 14, was found around 2 pm yesterday in an abandoned latrine on an unoccupied piece of land on "Hiway Gardens," Wallerfield, eight days after she went missing. The body was wrapped in a sheet under a large stone, and the body was further encased in a plastic bag, and secured by rope. The cesspit was covered by three galvanize sheets.

A suspect, 39, who led police to the body and who earlier admitted to the killing, has been arrested. At about 10 am, police searched the area several times with sniffer dogs, but failed to find the body until the suspect returned with them and pointed to the spot.

The body was in good condition, although it is believed to have been in the hole for eight days. It was saturated with liquid from the latrine which caused a strong foul scent.

According to reports, the teen’s mother, Colleen Gibbs, went to the Arima Police Station with relatives and the suspect around midday on Thursday, where they reported Stacy missing since last Friday. Investigations revealed that the suspect decided to "pull out," on approaching the station, but was restrained by family members and taken to the station. He later broke down and admitted his guilt.

Reports are that on Saturday morning after being beaten by the suspect on Friday night at their home at the corner of Moller Street and Churchill Roosevelt Highway, one of Stacy’s siblings reported the incident to their mother.

The girl’s mother, who was out on Friday night, enquired from the suspect and was told that she had probably run away as she had done once before with her brother.

The mother and relatives searched for the teen at the homes of relatives and friends. When she could not be found, they decided to make a report.

The suspect, who had an off and on relationship with the mother for more than 25 years, occupied the premises where he worked as a welder. Visiting the scene were ASP Terence Badal, Insp John Daniel, Cpls Earl Ettiene, Eral Charles and Eric Parks who are investigating.